Blog Post

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – On a motion by Mayor Michael D. Antonovich, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to end the immediate construction of a network of antenna sites proposed as part of a dedicated emergency communication system.

Citing health risks to firefighters and local residents, along with local community concerns and a lack of transparency, Mayor Antonovich’s motion calls for an outreach campaign and a legislative effort to extend the grant funding deadline, among other things.

“While a reliable communications platform is vital to preserve life and property during times of natural or made-made disasters, our employees and residents need to be assured that there are no health risks, and adequate notification should be made to local communities and impacted homeowners on planned cell towers,” he said

The motion calls for the Board to send a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Congressional representatives, as well as meetings during the Board’s upcoming trip to Washington D.C. to extend the grant deadline of September 30, 2015. It also requests the Joint Powers Authority, in coordination with the Fire Chief and Sheriff, to host regional community meetings with current and former member cities, impacted residents and employees. Today’s action also permitted the construction for only those sites that do not have any opposition from residents or employees.

A progress report on alternative revenue sources and models for back-up systems will be delivered to the Board of Supervisors in 30 days.